Tag Archives: barbera

Produttori di Govone Barbera d’Alba DOC 2015

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Winery: Produttori di Govone is a community of grape growers founded in 1957 by Giovanni Dalmasso with a mission to unify and create great wines. Today the cooperative consists of 250 members and 270 hectares. Blending tradition with modernity, they are pursuing organic viticulture; currently they have 5 hectares that are farmed organically.

Tasting Notes: Red-violet in colour with engaging aromas of dark berries, pink pepper and a trace of sandalwood. Ripe red berries are given a drizzle of caramel and balanced by bright acidity and soft tannins. Finishing dry and spicy, keeping you reaching for more. Straightforward and a versatile companion at the table.

Pairing Suggestion from Astor Wines: Enjoy this with cured meats, cheeses, briny olives, tomato sauce, sweet Italian sausage and arugula.

100% Barbera
Barbera d’Alba DOC
Italy
Estate Bottled by Produttori di Govone
14% Alcohol
$9
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Michele Chiarlo ‘Le Orme’ Barbera d’Asti Superiore 2013

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Estate: Descending from more than 7 generations of wine growers, Michele Chiarlo began producing wine in 1956 with a philosophy of only using indigenous grapes. He was a pioneering force in establishing a market for the fine wines of Piedmont. Always an innovator, he was one of the first producers to use methods such as limiting yields and decreasing maceration time in order to create a soft, more traditional style of Barolo. With 148 estate acres and an additional 50 acres, he has achieved ownership of the most acclaimed and prestigious vineyards in Piedmont, from Barbera to Barolo to Barbaresco. Still very active in the estate, Michele’s son Stefano now overseas all of the winemaking and continues the estate’s title as one of the leaders in Barolo and Barbera wines. There are offerings for every price point and appetite, from $10 to $200.

Winemaking: Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the southern area of the Asti province, especially in the hills around Nizza Monferrato. Aged in large French oak casks for 8 months.

Tasting Notes: Transparent garnet in colour with a hint of sage, dusty earth and floral aromas. An herbaceous streak illuminates tart blackberry and cherry flavours. Silky tannins and clean minerals gloss the clean, fruit finish. Tart, but balanced, this a fantastic expression of food friendly, versatile Barbera.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Pairs well with a wide range of dishes: chicken scallopini with sage and wild mushrooms, farfalle pasta with pork sausage and broccoli rabe and grilled or roasted red meats.

100% Barbera
Barbera d’Asti Superiore
Italy
Bottled by Michele Chiarlo
13.5% Alcohol
$11
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Rated 88 points by Wine Enthusiast

Marchesi Di Barolo ‘Maraia’ Barbera Del Monferrato DOC 2014

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Estate: Marchesi di Barolo consists of 430 acres of vineyards located in the distinguished Barolo region of Piedmont in Italy. Their vineyards are in some of the most renowned areas of Barolo, including the prestigious Cannubi cru. 185 acres are estate owned, with 245 acres farmed by long standing relationships with family and friends. The family estate has been passed down from parents to their children for over 200 years and is currently headed by 5th generation winemakers Anna and Ernesto Abbona. They maintain the work established by their ancestors and value the great heritage of knowledge and tradition that allows them to continue crafting quality wines.

Winemaking: Grapes are sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards located in the community of Maranzana in the Asti area. The soil is calcareous sand, clay, and rich in quartz. Aged for 1 year in Slavonian oak barrels. The name Maraia refers to “a group of rowdy kids, or ‘little rascals’, in Piedmontese dialect, referring to the lively nature of this wine”.

Tasting Notes: Transparent garnet in colour with aromas of cherry, sour cherry, sweet wild flowers, and pepper spice. Rhubarb along with tart, sour and regular cherry interlace with silky tannins. Mouth puckering acidity backs tart blackberry and sour cherry on the dry finish. A bit too astringent for my personal taste, others may find it refreshing with fatty foods.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, from antipasto to pasta with red sauce and light meals.

100% Barbera
Barbera Del Monferrato DOC
Italy
Bottled by Marchesi Di Barolo
13% Alcohol
$10
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Cantina di Casteggio Barbera Oltrepo’ Pavese DOC 2013

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Winery: Located in Lombardy, northern Italy, Cantina di Casteggio is a cooperative that was established in 1907 by a 100 grape-growers. Their goal was to create a consolidated winemaking center that could represent the entire group of growers. In 2008 they merged with another cooperative, Cantina di Broni, which added 85 more growers and large vineyard plots of 25 acres, therefore increasing production capabilities.

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from 15 year old vines growing in calcareous and clay soils. Aged in stainless steel tanks.

Tasting Notes: Transparent dark garnet in colour with plush aromas of raspberry, woods, black pepper and leather. Concentrated cherry flavours are laced with earthy summerwoods and peppery spices. Food friendly acidity brightens every sip, a hint of sour cherry lingers on the dry finish. A fantastic companion to a wide variety of dishes.

Wine Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: “A wine that can be drunk throughout the meal, which also goes particularly well with richly flavored dishes, roasts, grilled meats and cheeses.”

100% Barbera
Oltrepo’ Pavese DOC
Italy
Bottled by Cantina di Casteggio
12.5% Alcohol
$10
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Seghesio Barbera d’Alba DOC 2014

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Estate: Ettore Seghesio founded the winery in 1964. Located in Monforte region of Piedmont, northwestern Italy, the 9.5 hectare estate is today headed by Ettore’s son Aldo, along with his sons Sandro and Marco, and his daughter, Michela. The winery is known for its excellent value, “deep, concentrated and bursting with fruit” Dolcetto and Barbera.

Winemaking: The family strives to preserve the “natural resources in rural areas through agricultural and environmental measures”. Sustainable and integrated methods are used in both the vineyards and cellar. Chemicals are not used, only sulfur and copper-based products when necessary. Very low amounts of sulphur are added during winemaking. Grapes were sourced from vineyards with tuff and clay soils.

Tasting Notes: Deep ruby-red in colour with aromas of fresh berries, baking spice and a hint of licorice. Tart fruits [think cranberry, red currant and blackberry] join silky tannins and soft spice. Clean sour cherry notes linger refreshingly between each sip. A simple, fruity glass fantastic with everyday dishes.

100% Barbera
Barbera d’Alba
Italy
Estate Bottled by Azienda Vitivinicola di Seghesio Aldo e Riccardo
13% Alcohol
$13
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